Tag: Platoon (record label)

Asa unveils visual for single, ‘ODO’, an ode for genuine companionship

Internationally celebrated, multi-platinum Nigerian music artist ASA released her latest, soul-stirring single ‘ODO’ (out now via Platoon), alongside must-see visual.

Building on the heartfelt song’s ode to the essence of genuine connection, transcending material pursuits and echoing the universal desire for meaningful love and companionship, the ethereal clip directed by Andy Madjitey and shot across Ghana is a beautiful and diverse depiction of love in its purest, myriad forms.

Written and composed by Asa, with production from P.Priime,’ODO’ is Inspired by Asa’s own experiences and observations, with the song’s lyrics painting a vivid picture of someone who values the intangible aspects of a relationship. The simplicity of ‘ODO’ combined with Asa’s soulful and emotive delivery creates a stirring, timeless piece that speaks directly to the human soul.

Speaking on ‘ODO’ Asa says: “’ODO’ is a tribute to love, beyond only romance. Friends and family lift you up when you’re down and heartbroken, celebrate your victories and cheer you on when you doubt yourself. It’s a reminder that love comes in various forms, and always having your back.”

In 2022, Asa released her fifth studio album ‘V’ which saw her taking cues from Pop, Afrobeat, R&B, Soul and electronic influences and mixing them with breathy, soulful vocals to create dreamy, ethereal soundscapes and embracing a newfound freedom which is demonstrated across the 10-track project. Produced by P.Priime, the album featured the singles ‘Mayana’ and ‘Ocean’ – and their dreamy music visuals – and collaborations with Wizkid, Amaarae and The Cavemen. The project received critical acclaim from music lovers and credible media outlets around the world including Rolling Stone, Billboard and The NY Times to name just a few.

Watch the breathtaking video for ‘ODO’ below…

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Song of the Day: Believe In Love – Danni Tesfay

Introducing London-based R&B talent DANNI TESFAY with her exquisite single titled ‘Believe In Love’. The track comes on the back of Danni’s well-received summer single ‘Hit The Road’, as well as recent support from BBC Radio 1 and Reprezent Radio. Written by Danni and progressive R&B babe Kemi Ade, and produced by Grammy Award-nominated musician Likklejay – who has also worked with Chris Brown, Capella Grey, and Kojey Radical, among others, with Ramera Abraham (Adele, Little Mix, TianaMajor9) engineering the track – ‘Believe In Love’ is an emotionally resonant offering that speaks to the universal apprehension of plunging into the depths of love, with Danni trying to assure her lover that they are safe and secure with her.

Birthed out of Platoon’s latest ‘She Runs The Board’ program and writing camp held in London, where Danni Tesfay connected with producer Likklejay and songwriter Kemi Ade, ‘Believe In Love’ is an exquisite R&B offering driven by captivating guitar arrangements, lush synths, and minimalist drum patterns excellently crafted by Likklejay, over which Danni offers a yielding and enthralling vocal performance. The track is further enriched by some very relatable songwriting from Danni and Kemi Ade. Thematically about trying to love someone with deep-seated fears of fully embracing love, the song is Danni’s support for everyone struggling with falling in love and letting go, as she delves into the intricate complexities of love and the reservations that arise from past disappointments.

Recommended if you like the sounds of Kehlani, Victoria Monet, or Kiana Ledé, Danni Tesfay is an exciting new talent that is bringing a breath of fresh air to the UK R&B scene. Acclaimed by industry insiders like Victoria Jane on BBC Radio 1, and Rellik on Reprezent Radio, she stands out as a rising star in a crowded musical landscape. Hailing from Coventry and now thriving in the vibrant heart of London, this British Eritrean songstress is showing that she’s a force to be reckoned with. Drawing inspiration from iconic acts such as Destiny’s Child, Mya, and Cassie, Danni Tesfay seamlessly fuses classic R&B elements with her innovative flair to create mesmerizing soundscapes. Whether you’re in the mood for alluring melodies or poignant ballads, Danni is the artist that will enchant your senses. Why not check out the video for ‘Believe In Love’ below…

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Song of the Day: Through The Clouds – Jay Phelps (ft. Simon Jnr)

A household name in the UK jazz world, Canadian-born, UK-based trumpeter, DJ and composer JAY PHELPS teams up with Birmingham MC Simon Jnr ‘Through The Clouds’. It’s the second single from his forthcoming album ‘The Now’, releasing via Platoon in partnership with Black Lives In Music.

With a career spanning 20 years, Phelps has performed as a sideman with some of the world’s top names, including Amy Winehouse, George Benson and Wiz Kid. His work as founding member of award-winning contemporary jazz group Empirical in the late 2000s garnered international acclaim, an early precursor to the explosion of UK jazz that has since followed. As a bandleader, he’s explored multiple styles, threading together the jazz language and tradition with contemporary influences, always with one eye on the future.
His status as an innovator and enabler on the UK jazz scene has seen him host regular shows on Jazz FM and Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide FM, and draw praise from The Guardian, Jazzwise and London Jazz News.

The forthcoming LP ‘The Now’ brings together a cross-generational collective of musicians. It’s a journey from the underground, club-centric UK jazz scene, through to the house-filled streets of Detroit and progressive sonics of LA. Phelps continues on his mission as a connector of dots, bringing together multiple generations of musicians at the forefront of the UK’s jazz scene, including David Mrakpor (Blue Lab Beats), Tom Ford (Chris Dave, Reuben James) and Nicola Guida (Secret Night Gang). The record draws inspiration from hiphop, G-funk and broken beat, with Phelps and co weaving between styles through
conversational improvisation, thoughtfully crafted melodies and a combination of vocal and horn-led arrangements. Continuing with the west coast vibe explored on lead single ‘Finding Centaurii’,

‘Through The Clouds’ invokes shades of Anderson Paak’s jazz-fuelled soul-funk. Phelps’ playful muted
trumpet is paired with Ruta Sipola’s flute in conversation with Mrakpor’s vibraphone, with the instrumental finely balanced against Simon Jnr’s lyrical flow, setting an inspirational tone of breaking through and looking past adversity.

“I wanted the catchy melody to be traded around the band, as it’s the largest ensemble featured on the entire album. Simon Jnr came through and provided the lyrical masterpiece, which tied in perfectly to the themes I wanted to convey on the instrumental.” -Jay Phelps. Have a listen to

‘Through The Clouds’ below…

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Song of the Day: Only – Rowlene (Feat. WurlD)

Award-winning, platinum-selling R&B Pop sensation, ROWLENE indulges a passionate courtship with her latest offering ‘Only (Feat. WurlD)’ .

Recently emerging from a 2-year hiatus with her sultry icebreaker ‘Would You Like That’, ‘Only’, the second single off Rowlene’s new seven-track EP Frequency, is an ode to one of the most essential love languages to maintain the spark between two lovebirds, the Art Of Pleasure. Complemented by sensual sonic texture and courting lyricism, the intimate future mash hit sets the mood for not only a craving for extravagant displays of affection but a simple appreciation for the little things.

Speaking on the creative process of ‘Only’ and what music lovers can expect from her EP, Rowlene shares:

“WurlD and I hadn’t met until the song was complete. The collaboration was effortless and organic.. ‘‘Frequency’ has so many definitions, from science to math, it is a significant observation that always hints to ‘more’. This project follows exactly that notion. Each song represents a twist or turn in the journey we call finding love and sometimes ourselves. One’s cycle can never be compared to another’s, yet when you’ve matched the energies when you’ve synchronized with someone – magic happens.”

‘Only’ is out now via Platoon. Have a listen below…

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Song of the Day – Let Me Down – FLVME

Johannesburg based, South African Hip Hop artist FLVME is gearing-up for the release of his upcoming album Germander II, and ‘Let Me Down’ is the first single released from the upcoming project (via Platoon).

FLVME (pronounced: flame) is one of South Africa’s hottest rising Hip Hop artists who has released chart-topping albums, from 2019’s now-certified Gold Germander to 2020’a D.O.A (Dead Or Alive) and 2021’s While You Wait.

‘Let Me Down’ is his first release of 2022 and is a song about reflecting on past relationships and how helped shape who he is. “Accepting everything for what it is and understanding that I have to go through a lot in order to grow .. overall it’s just about finding peace within myself,” he says. Check it out below…

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